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Hand Signals
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From: thompson@apple.com (Paul Thompson)
Subject: Re: safe group riding (was: getting passed by jerks)
Date: 10 Oct 1993 17:38:18 -0700
Robert.J.Havey@cs.cmu.edu writes:
>so, what is safe group riding behavior? i regularly drive with one
>other motorcyclist, though frequently with a few other friends. what is
>the best lane position, how far apart? what are some good signals to
>help communicate?
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Here's some signals that I use when I go riding in groups. Most of them are
pretty self-explanatory, so they work even with riders who haven't encountered
them before. If anyone has more, I'd like to hear them.
Point to tank - I need gas, stop at the next station
Point at ground - Careful, there's something on the road (Note that you aren't
pointing at the hazard necessarily, as this might not be convenient) Also,
point at ground, rub fingers together - road is slippery.
Flash brake lights very rapidly - Major watch out! Be prepared to stop QUICK.
Point at sign - read the sign. If it's a highway sign with multiple exits
listed, hold up the number of fingers corresponding to which exit you want (e.g.
two fingers for the second exit listed)
Point at another rider, then pat leg - you want that rider to come alongside you
(usually so you can talk)
Point at another rider, then point to side of road - pull over now.
Arm out, palm back - stay behind me
Arm out, forward waving - go past me
Waving arm in quick downward motion, with palm down and parallel to ground -
slow down! Often used for bikes traveling in the opposite direction to warn of
hazard or police.
Tap top of helmet, or hand on helmet - cop nearby (This signal is designed to
be both noticable and undecipherable by the cop)
Point forward, shrug shoulders - I don't know where we're going, I probably
shouldn't be leading!
Little wave to oncoming motorcyclist - "Aren't motorcycles great?"
Finally, when someone gives you a signal, you should nod your head so they know
you understand, since they can't see your face very well behind a helmet.
Next, here are some hints for formations for various types of riding:
On the highway - staggered within one lane to provide good visibility for all
riders. Lead rider should ride smoothly, and not shoot into gaps that aren't
big enough for the whole group (if possible). Leader also should point out
exits in advance by pointing to signs, and get in the correct lane soon enough
so the entire pack can follow safely. When changing lanes, the leader should
maintain the same relative position in the new lane, so the stagger doesn't have
to propagate all the way back. Riders should try to note how many are behind
them. Everyone should know what the exit is before hand just in case. Riders
should not pass each other, as it messes up the stagger and makes it hard to
keep track of where everyone is in the pack.
Canyon Bombing - Single file, fastest to slowest. Leaders should stop at
intersections if there's a chance someone could make a wrong turn, and also
periodically (perhaps every 10 minutes) to make sure everybody's still there.
Be sure to signal turns well in advance. Don't fixate on the rider ahead, watch
the road. If this is a problem, drop back. When passing cars, don't assume
that when the rider ahead of you goes, you can too, or that they won't abort
their pass and nail the brakes! When passing multiple cars, watch for the cars
deciding to pass also! Glance in your mirrors before pulling out.
City Streets - Two per lane at stops, staggered while riding. Don't split
traffic if not everyone has their own lane. Signal and get in the correct lane
in plenty of time. Avoid unnecessary lane changes. With larger groups it won't
be possible to stay together, so split into smaller groups. If someone gets
stranded at a light (leaders must watch for this!), the leaders can pull to the
side of the road in single file and wait for them, assuming there aren't too
many leaders.
In all cases, the leaders must keep track of what is happening behind them, as
it is much more difficult to pass information forward than back. It can also
be a good idea to designate a "sweeper", generally an experienced rider who
agrees to ride last in line and make sure everyone is OK.
It's much more enjoyable (and safe) when everyone in the group follows the
same plan. Happy riding!
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Paul Thompson Apple Computer